Medical Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology

Genotoxicity, Carcinogenicity, and Mutagenesis

Genotoxicity refers to the ability of certain chemicals to damage genetic material, potentially leading to mutations, cancer, or hereditary defects. Carcinogenicity is the potential of a substance to cause cancer, while mutagenesis involves genetic mutations. Advances in molecular biology, genotoxicity assays, and in vitro models help identify and classify these risks, guiding the development of safer pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Regulatory agencies use this data to set exposure limits and approve new drugs.